Image-reading device having configurable multi-mode illumination and monochrome, color image capture and related methods comprising a plurality of light sources that emit red light or emit white light from multiple white light portions separated by a portion of ambient light

Abstract

An image-reading device, such as optical code readers used in retail environments to scan objects, is configured to select from various operational modes. The operational modes are selected based on an application of the image-reading device, such as optical code identification or image recognition. Red, white, and other color light sources are activated in patterns corresponding to an illumination sequence of the selected operational mode, while imagers are activated to capture an image based on an exposure pattern of the selected operational mode. Further, a repeating series of light pulses having different portions of light is provided. Various imagers are configured to capture images over one of the portions. This allows an operator to perceive one continuous light pattern, yet allows various imagers to capture an image under different light conditions used for different applications of the image-reading device.